Full Black by Brad Thor

global society now. Communications are global, corporations are global, trade is global, tourism is global, why not currency?”
    The woman looked up at him from her pad. “Some would say that a global currency would put the world just one step away from a global government.”
    The billionaire shrugged. “Who’s to say that’s a bad thing? You? Me?”
    “I think the American people, for starters, would say it’s a bad thing. Maybe even a very bad thing.”
    He leaned forward. “I’ll tell you a secret as long as you’ll agree it’s off the record.”
    Julia Winston nodded.
    “The American people aren’t that bright. The entire nation is made up largely of idiots. As long as they have their McDonald’s and their sitcom television, they really don’t care what happens politically.”
    The reporter was at a loss for how to respond.
    “So back to a global currency,” Standing said, as he leaned back in his chair and signaled that they were on the record again. “America can no longer sit on the couch, resting on its status quo. We have always led the world, not lagged behind. America needs to progress into the future. It cannot stand still or, heaven forbid, fall behind the other nations of the world. In the short run, there will be difficulties, but what matters is the long run.”
    “And what if America says no?” asked the woman, having regained some of her composure. “What’s the downside look like?”
    Standing considered his response for a moment and then said, “The U.S.A. will become a nothing, a nobody. We need to realize that the good old days are not ahead of America anymore. They are behind us, and they will continue to be, unless the United States climbs on board with the rest of the world.
    “A new system has to be created. Part of that system involves shedding our ridiculous reliance on the dollar. America’s economy is pulling the rest of the world down.”
    “You don’t believe that the U.S. economy is showing signs of recovery?”
    Standing laughed. “Who told you that? A little elf in a little hollow tree? If you see him again, you should make sure to ask for a unicorn ride.”
    Winston smiled uncomfortably.
    “I will tell you this,” offered the billionaire. “America must stop seeing itself as the center of the universe. It is not only unhealthy, it’s unrealistic. You talked about a rising tide. What does a rising tide do to people who have no boats? It drowns them.”
    “So you no longer have confidence in America?”
    “I have confidence that the American model, as we understand it, no longer works. And when something doesn’t work, what are your choices? You can either sit and wring your hands, or you can help guide people to something better.”
    “And what’s better than America?”
    Standing looked at his watch. “Excellent question,” he said with a smile. “And one I’m afraid we will have to save for another time. Perhaps we can have dinner and discuss it?”
    The billionaire didn’t wait for the reporter to reply. As he stood, the large doors on the other side of the office opened and Standing’s assistant walked in to show Julia Winston out.
    “It has been an absolute pleasure speaking with you, my dear. I’ll make sure my publicist sends you a photo for your piece. Good?”
    The woman thanked him and shook his hand. Standing watched her leave. He enjoyed the way her hips moved beneath the tight skirt and the sound of her expensive shoes clicking across his marble floor.
    After escorting Winston to the elevator, his assistant returned. “I assume you’d like me to set up a follow-up?”
    The financier had removed his suit coat and sat down behind his expansive desk. “Yes. Do it for tonight.”
    “Tonight?” the assistant said, consulting his iPad. “Tonight you have a cocktail reception for donors to the United Nations’ Infinitum Project. It’s from seven o’clock to nine.”
    “Fine,” replied Standing. “Set dinner up afterward.